Look, the Keanu Reeves movie was fine. Surprisingly entertaining, if somewhat fluffy, featuring solid performances from its two leads and stellar scenery chewing from Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare. And hey, it had a mostly-not-annoying Shia!

But this. This is something different. This, at least based on this little glimpse, is much closer to seeing DC Comics’ terrific Hellblazer comic brought to screen. Matt Ryan is terrific, not just in appearance, but in what I would have imagined John Constantine’s delivery to be like (even if his trademark chain smoking likely won’t make it into the show).

Take a look at the original:

But appearances aside, the show, produced by David S. Goyer, has some great atmosphere and set design, and some pretty spiffy effects. I am, let us say, quite hopeful for this coming Fall.

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Comments Are Welcome, Bigots and Trolls Are Not

theKelz

This has some seriously Harry Dresden vibes to me. SERIOUSLY.

Romeo Garcia

I have to say im impressed!!!!..i have years to not follow a show (Pawn Stars dont count because is not a series) but this trailer catch me for good...I am a huge fan of the movie (i dont know why people hated so much) and i think this new series are gonna be awesome..i cant wait!!

Jezzer

I have one teeny, tiny issue with the trailer. SPOILER:....It looks like they've aged up the girl who got taken to Hell due to John's inexperience and hubris. In the comics, it was a little girl who John accidentally damned, and that pretty much informed his attitude and motivation for most of his adult life. It was that experience that landed him in the asylum. In the trailer, it looks like they've changed her into a young woman. Tragic, yes, but not quite the gut punch that was the comic version of the Newcastle events.

The girl looks loads like Rachel Weisz in the Keanu version (which I LOVE). Totes 'cited for this!

Green_Eggs_and_Hamster

Holy crap that looks good. There is no way this does not end in massive disappointment for all of us.

foolsage

Oh hells yes. This looks like the character I know and love, unshaven and messy and all. Loved the "bollocks" line, too.

Was that Gary Lester at 2:13? Hot damn. I'm basing that on the lousy painting of John on the wall there, presumably from their Mucous Membrane days; and his overall look, of course.

It even looks like we'll be getting Mnemoth in the show, from the looks of that insect infestation. Here's hoping they plumb some of the comics' many strong storylines. Nergal's listed on the cast IMDB page, so there's that, at least.

It won't be the same though unless we have an arc featuring the First of the Fallen. I sincerely hope they film the "Dangerous Habits" story at some point. That wouldn't work as a starting arc because we need to get to know the characters first, but it remains one of the most memorable stories I've read. Plus, bonus, we get to see John trick (and mock) the devil.

The effects and acting look pretty terrible (although the Nana bit was kind of cool). Don't really know the source material, but I like the idea. Doubtful that this can be properly pulled off on network and the trailer doesn't offer much to counter that.